10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Kimchi

Korean Food and Cooking

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Kimchi

by Debbie Wolfe, CKC Writer

Skip the chicken soup the next time you are feeling under the weather; grab a bowl of kimchi instead! This spicy, fermented side dish has been a staple on Korean tables for thousands of years. Koreans believe that kimchi can soothe an upset stomach, help you lose weight, cure a hangover, keep you from aging and much more. Kimchi is becoming readily available in many restaurants and health food stores due to the popularity and health benefits of fermented foods. In addition to being a delicious accompaniment to your next meal, kimchi may be your ticket to good health.

Baechu Kimchi (Nappa Kimchi)

1. A Rich Source of Probiotics
One gram of well fermented kimchi contains 4 times the amount of probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. Probiotics are the good bacteria that populate your digestive tract.

2. Digestive Health
The vast amounts of probiotics in kimchi promote healthy digestion and regularity, improve the amount of nutrients absorbed from food and contributes to the overall health of your digestive system.

Chong-gak Kimchi (Ponytail Radish Kimchi)

3. Helps You Lose Weight
Need to shed a few pounds? Pile on the kimchi! The fiber content present in kimchi keeps your body full and hunger satisfied for long periods, preventing you from frequent and over eating. Kimchi is also low in fat and calories. On top of that, the spicy peppers in kimchi give your metabolism a boost!

4. Helps Lower Cholesterol
In addition to the high levels of fiber that aid in reducing cholesterol, kimchi contains a large amount of garlic. Garlic is a good source of selenium and allicin, which actively help reduce plaque in arteries thus preventing diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke.

Baek Kimchi (White Non-spicy Kimchi)

5. Strengthens the immune system
Beat those seasonal sniffles with a dose of kimchi. Common kimchi ingredients include garlic, ginger, and peppers, which are great immune builders: a tastier alternative to cough syrup.

6. Full of Vitamins
No need for a vitamin supplement if you are eat kimchi daily. Kimchi is high in B vitamins ,vitamin A and C as well as enzymes that are beneficial to your digestion process,vision and blood flow.

Oi Kimchi (Cucumber Kimchi)

7. Detoxifier
Skip those expensive “cleansing” diets. Cabbage kimchi is a great detoxifier that helps eliminate toxins and waste from your body. It’s a tasty way to rid your body of toxins and much easier on the wallet.

8. Anti-Aging
Ever wonder why Koreans look ageless? Kimchi is full of antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage. The high amounts of antioxidants in kimchi slows down the aging of skin. Garlic is a rich source of selenium and an essential ingredient in kimchi. This mineral helps keep your skin and hair healthy.

Nabak Kimchi (Pink Water Kimchi)

9. Lowers Blood Sugar
Combat type 2 diabetes and dips in blood sugar levels with kimchi. Regular consumption of kimchi helps maintain better glucose tolerance and lower levels of fasting glucose.

10. Reduces the Risk for Cancer
Kimchi can help reduce the development of various cancers. The ingredients in kimchi (cabbage,garlic,ginger, onions,hot peppers) contain healthful flavonoids, which are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

There you have it, ten awesome reasons why you should eat kimchi daily. Not only can it help improve your health, it’s a delicious way to spice up your meals. If you can’t find kimchi in your area, no worries. Kimchi is not hard to make. Check out these sources for all your kimchi making needs:

Find delicious Kimchi Recipes here.

Buy Organic Gochugaru, Korean Hot Chili Pepper Flakes here.

Buy Fermentation and storage container for kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles here.

 


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